The 19-year-old student from Waterford takes over Taoiseach’s office today to mark International Day of the Girl 2021. Mairéad Butler who is a European studies student as well as a member of Plan International Ireland’s Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) will become the first woman to hold the position in the history of Ireland.
Plan International’s Girls Takeover events are taking place across the world today in honour of International Day of the Girl. The evens are conducted to encourage women to come forward and make involve in the male dominated areas of society like politics, business etc.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to ‘take over’ Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s office today.” Butler said ahead of the event.
She also shared her concern over the lack of a woman Taoiseach for the country even in 2021.
“To be frank, it’s not good enough in 2021 to say that no woman has ever held the office of Taoiseach — I hope girls across the country will see this and be able to envision themselves in this office one day.” said Butler.
At the time in the office, Butler will discuss matters of challenges that girls and young women face in the country with Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Issues such as misconceptions about sex and reproduction among young population in the country, gender equality, overseas education for girls and participation of girls in humanitarian works would also be in discussion.
According to a report to be published today by the Youth Advisory Panel, 85% of young population in the country has encountered sexual health misinformation. Over 500 young people had participated in the survey and the full ‘KnoWhere To Go’ report will be published today.